Life is not perfect

December 12, 2006

To the editor:

I was amused and disappointed when I read Mary O’Brien’s recent letter to the editor which came off as little more than a thinly veiled character attack against Mr. Ralph Lisha. Why is it that any time someone questions the economic health of Somerset that someone (oftentimes a realtor) quickly writes in and says how wonderful things are here?

I’m in business as a photographer and from my contracted work I already know that next year will be, by far, my most successful year in business. But I make virtually nothing working in Somerset - all of my work comes from the surrounding counties. Next year I’ve been booked to shoot 32 weddings. Exactly one of those weddings is in Somerset County.

Every time I meet with people from the area to discuss professional photography, I hear the same story “We love your work, but we just don’t have the money.” It’s the same story that I hear from nearly every local business person to which I speak. Are all of them also “whiners”?

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Whining is a term that gets bandied about by people who don’t have a legitimate debate. They can’t provide you with facts so you’re labeled a whiner.

Several months ago I wrote a letter to the editor questioning the economic future of Somerset. I became concerned after several local long time businesses closed their doors. Now Somerset Furniture can be added to that list. A few established businesses at the Georgian Mall are also shutting down. Even the local Wal-Mart has told employees that sales are under projections. And we all know there are serious rumors circulating about the long term stability of one of Somerset’s biggest manufacturing companies.

To me, that is worrisome. I think anyone who doesn’t have a vested interest in creating a public facade of “Somerset is Super” would agree.

Somerset is a nice place to live. The crime rate is low. The cost of living is low. The people are very nice. But things aren’t perfect here, especially from an economic standpoint.

Admitting there are problems is part of the solution. Pretending problems don’t exist is not. Now please excuse me while I quit whining.

I heard there’s a sale on rose colored glasses and I seem to have lost my pair.